Varanasi - A Spiritual Journey
""On Varanasi (Banaras / Kashi), in which you will get a detailed description of its history, spirituality, major sites and cultural heritage.""
Varanasi, the oldest city of India,which we also know as Banaras or Kashi, is a place which is a link betweenlife, death and salvation. This city is not only a pilgrimage site, but anexperience, a spiritual journey that everyone wants to live once in their life.
History and Importance of Kashi
Whenever the soul of India has to be seen, the name of Banaras comes first. This city situated on the banks of the Ganges is not only the religious capital of India, but is a place where both
life and death are worshipped with equal reverence.The history of Varanasi is believed to be more than 3000 years old. This city is considered to be the city of Lord Shiva. According to Hinduism, death here leads directly to salvation. This is the reason why it attracts people even in the last stage of urban life.
City of Ghats - Ghats of
Varanasi
84 ghats are situated on the banks of
river Ganga, which is the soul of Varanasi. Every ghat has its own story:
Dashashwamedh Ghat - The most famous and lively ghat where every evening grand Ganga Aarti takes place.
I started my Banaras trip with Ganga Aarti Darshan early in the morning. As soon as the rays of the sun fell on the Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat, the bells and conch shells of Aarti mesmerized the atmosphere.Here life and death meet in three natural ways that a strange peace touches the soul.
Manikarnika Ghat - This ghat is famous for funerals, where even death becomes a path to salvation, where funerals take place 24 hours a day.
Assi Ghat - A popular place for the company of youth and sadhus.Visiting the ghats while taking a boat ride along the Ganges is a precious experience of visiting Banaras.View of Banaras Ghat along with boats on the Ganges bank - Lively and cultural platform. A more comprehensive view of Bhaari Ghat, a waterfall of Banaras. A quiet morning ghat where the condition of the Ganges bank is visible. View of Banaras Ghat along with boats on the Ganges bank - Lively and cultural platform. A more comprehensive view of Bhaari Ghat, a waterfall of Banaras. A quiet morning ghat where the condition of the Ganges bank is visible.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in
the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is considered the holiest place in Varanasi. The temple complex is crowded with Shiva devotees day and night. The "Vishwaeshwar" linga here represents Lord Shiva and is the center of faith of devotees.
Main deity:
Lord Shiva - "Lord of the world" i.e. Vishwanath
Religious significance
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva
It is believed that death in Kashi leads to salvation
Here Lord Shiva told Mother Parvati that "Kashi is my favorite area"
Every year lakhs of people come here for darshan
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History (History)
Period Event
Ancient period The original temple is believed to have been built in the mythological period
1194 Qutubuddin Aibak demolished the temple
1585 Raja Todarmal rebuilt during Akbar's period
1669 Aurangzeb cut the pieces of the temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque there
In 1780 Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar built the present temple
2021 Kashi Vishwanath Mahotsav inaugurated - by PM Narendra Modi
Worship method and special
celebrations - Festival / Celebration Details
Birthday is the biggest celebration - Night celebration, Abhishek
Shravan month classic yatra, special puja
Daily Aarti is done 3 times - Mangal, Bhog, Sandhya
Jal Abhishek Water is poured on Shivling with Ganga water
Sarnath
Sarnath is a famous historical and religious site located about 10 km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the four most sacred places for Buddhists.
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Importance of Sarnath
Connection with Buddhism: After attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon (Dhammachakra Pravartan) to his five disciples at Sarnath.
Dhammachakra Pravartan: This marks the beginning of the spread of Buddhism.
Ashoka Pillar: Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar here, and its Lion Capital later became the National Emblem of India.
Chaukhandi Stupa: Believed to be the spot where Buddha met his first disciples.
Dhamek Stupa: A massive stupa marking the exact place where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Archaeological Museum: Preserves ancient sculptures, inscriptions, and relics from the Buddhist era.
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Religious Significance
For Buddhists, Sarnath is as sacred as Varanasi is for Hindus, or Mecca is for Muslims.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists from across the world visit Sarnath.
How to reach Sarnath?
Road: About 30 minutes
journey from Varanasi by auto, taxi or bus.
Rail route: You can get
down at Sarnath Railway Station.
Air route: Nearest airport –
Lal Bahadur Shastri (Varanasi), about 25 km away.
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Best time to visit
October to March is the best season.
Summers (April-June) are very hot.
Confluence of culture
and music
Banaras is also a center of classical music, dance and art.
It has been the land of great artists like Birju Maharaj and Pandit Ravi Shankar. The Kashi Naresh Ramlila, doll house museum, and traditional weaving of Banarasi sarees here give a glimpse of the culture.
Taste of Banaras
Banaras is very special not only in spirituality but also in food.
Some major dishes and sweets that must be tasted here:
Kachori-Jalebi – Popular in breakfast.
Tomato Chaat – Spicy taste in Banarasi style.
Banarasi Paan – has become the identity of this place.
Lassi and Thandai – Drinks that provide relief in summer.
Local Markets and
Shopping
The streets of Varanasi are as old as they are colourful.
Shopping and Art
Walking through the shops and streets of Banarasi sarees, you get to see thousands of years old art. Walking around the colourful markets here like Godaulia Market, Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazaar is an experience in itself.
Thatheri Bazaar is where you can buy authentic Banarasi sarees, brass statues and wooden artifacts.
Last Day
My trip ended once again with Ganga Aarti. This time I sat on the banks of the Ganga for a while and felt the wonderful balance of the city – where there is crowd, yet there is peace.
Conclusion
Varanasi is a place where religion, philosophy, culture and art meet. There is a story behind every stone, every street, every ghat here. Banaras is not just a city but a medium of soul discovery. If you have not visited Kashi yet, then believe me you have not seen the soul of India.